Fitness has always been a concern with regard to both mental and physical health regardless of age, gender, or any other variables that make each one of us unique. And for those in the blind community, fitness is every bit as much—if not more—important.

Exercise for the visually impaired is something that should be incorporated into a weekly, if not daily, routine for a variety of reasons that are both similar and different from people within the sighted community. For those with total loss of sight as well as for those who are low sighted, a lack of regular exercise can bring on a host of other issues, including weight gain, sluggishness, and perhaps worst of all for many, insomnia or a circadian rhythm that has been thrown completely off track.

A quality workout done at the right time of day and at the right pace to meet your unique physical and mental needs is just what the doctor may have forgotten to order. For many blind people, fitness has been a challenge: without someone to guide you and without the ability to drive yourself to the gym, it becomes obvious why so many visually impaired individuals give up—but with the BlindAlive line of Fitness Workouts for blind people, you’ll never have to depend on anyone else again.

Yoga and Strength Training with wieghts for blind people along with a variety of other cardiovascular exercises help our bodies stay toned, help us gain muscle mass and lose weight, but most of all, can help lead a blind person away from a sense of helplessness.

Are you ready to sweat? Come get healthy and leave all your notions of not being able to get fit due to your visual impairment behind with BlindAlive!

Mel starts the podcast by thanking our fine sponsor and encourages listeners to rate the podcast on iTunes.Mel and Lisa discuss a resource for those on food stamps, or anyone who wants to cook delicious meals on a budget. Visit the author's website to download a copy of The Good and Cheap Cookbook.If you're not sure when produce is in season, one resource you might like is an iOS app -- Today's Fresh Food.Find local co-ops and farmers' markets at LocalHarvest.In FitnessSpeak, Mel talks about the importance of breathing and the intercostal muscles and thorasic diaphragm.In feedback files, we have a question from a customer about working out after a heart attack. One article that addresses this subject is here.http://www.healthafter50.com/reports/heart_health/261-1.htmlWe welcome your feedback or questions via the BlindAlive Contact Form You can also follow Mel or Lisa on Twitter.